Date: Thursday, March 28
Time: 7:00 PM E.T
Arena: Smoothie King Center New Orleans, LA
The NBA season is a marathon, not a sprint, and sometimes the best way to get over a tough loss is to get right back on the court. That’s the situation facing both the Milwaukee Bucks and the New Orleans Pelicans as they prepare to meet on Thursday night in the Big Easy.
Famous Prediction Models:
Here are 5 famous models and their hypothetical score predictions:
– KenPom: (Pelicans: 110, Bucks: 108).
– Sagarin: (Bucks: 112, Pelicans: 108).
– ESPN BPI: (Bucks: 112, Pelicans: 109).
– CBS Sports: (Pelicans: 114, Bucks: 108).
– FiveThirtyEight: (Pelicans: 111, Bucks: 110).
Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo Hunting Redemption After Double-Overtime Heartbreaker
The Bucks are coming off a gut-wrenching double-overtime defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers, where they squandered a seemingly insurmountable 19-point lead in the fourth quarter. Giannis Antetokounmpo, the reigning NBA Finals MVP, put up a monster triple-double (29 points, 21 rebounds, 11 assists) but it wasn’t enough to secure the win. Look for a hyper-focused “Greek Freak” on Thursday, determined to lead his team back into the win column.
Pelicans: Can Zion Williamson and Co. Learn from a Fourth-Quarter Collapse?
The Pelicans also have a bitter taste in their mouth after letting a late lead slip away in a home loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Zion Williamson, the electrifying young forward, had a fantastic all-around game with 29 points and 10 assists, but the Pelicans went scoreless in the final stretch, failing to capitalize on a golden opportunity.
This matchup offers a chance for both teams to show their resilience. The Pelicans will be buoyed by their strong home-court record (26-12) and a passionate New Orleans crowd. However, the Bucks boast a more experienced core and a championship pedigree.
Why the Bucks Are a Safer Bet (-1.5 Spread)
There are several reasons why the Bucks might be the smarter pick for Thursday’s game:
– Revenge Factor: The Bucks were embarrassed by a 24-point defeat to the Pelicans in their last meeting. Expect them to come out with a strong desire to avenge that loss.
– Championship Experience: The Bucks have a roster battle-tested in the playoffs, and Giannis Antetokounmpo is a proven winner. Their experience could be crucial in a close game.
– Defensive Prowess: The Bucks boast one of the best defenses in the NBA. Stifling Zion Williamson and the Pelicans’ high-octane offense will be a priority.
The Pelicans are undeniably a talented young team on the rise. But on Thursday night, the Bucks’ burning hunger for redemption, championship experience, and defensive dominance makes them the safer bet to cover the -1.5-point spread. So, basketball fans, fasten your seatbelts! This rematch promises to be a heart-stopping clash between two teams desperate for a win. Buckle up and get ready for a thrilling battle in the Big Easy!
PICK: Bucks -1.5 LOSE